Kathmandu: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that holding a special general convention in Mangsir is now a viable option, citing insufficient time to conduct a regular convention. He stated that if the upcoming central committee meeting cannot take a decision on time, the party must convene a special general convention around Mangsir 27–28.

Thapa stressed that holding the convention before the upcoming election is mandatory. He reaffirmed that the Nepali Congress will participate in the Falgun 21 election and is also working to bring on board parties that have said they will not participate. According to him, the Congress is in dialogue with those parties and is taking initiatives to encourage their involvement in the election.

He added that the party will both support and caution the government to ensure a proper election environment. Thapa accused the government of failing to create conditions where political parties can operate freely, pointing to increased security concerns.

“The Nepali Congress will participate in the Falgun 21 election. We are making every effort to bring in the parties that have said they will not participate. We are in dialogue with them and taking initiatives to ensure their participation. At the same time, we are supporting and warning the government. Weapons are out, prisoners are on the run, and political parties are being hindered from carrying out their activities. The government is not serious about ensuring an unhindered political environment,” he said.

Thapa argued that Nepal’s current complexities have no alternative solution besides the Falgun 21 election. He criticised certain political groups for incitement and retaliation, saying some forces are trying to push the government into confusion. “This is wrong, and we stand against it,” he said.

He emphasised that the Nepali Congress needs to hold a convention to carry forward its decisions with renewed legitimacy. “Only new leadership emerging from the convention can take today’s decisions forward with a clear policy. Periodic conventions must be held. Now the only option is a special general convention—one that should take place around Mangsir 27–28. One party is leading incitement, while the Nepali Congress is leading peace,” Thapa stated.

General Secretary Thapa concluded by saying that the Nepali Congress must lead the politics of peace.